Ski Boots - Lange RX-130

Featured Gear - Lange RX-130
I recently purchased these boots from Larry's Bootfitters in Boulder, CO.  Not everybody is aware of this so let it be said, "Boots are expensive and last a long-time, it is worth the investment to find a reputable boot-fitter & ensure that a boot is selected that fits your shape of foot/ankle/calf & matches the type of skiing that is intended".  Ski boot marketing muddles everything - it is virtually impossible to select a boot based on advertising.  Ski shops that do not carry a wide selection of boots quite possibly do not have a boot in the store that will appropriately fit your feet.  Larry's carries almost 20 brands and only 3 boots in the store were appropriate choices. Maybe not an issue for beginners, however if the intention is to ski a long time, or improve skills, proper fitting boots are essential - because foot/leg pain will greatly inhibit the ambition to try new techniques.  The most common problem among boots is that they are too big.  Check the "shell fit", pull the liner out of the boot, insert your foot and let your toes gently touch the front of the boot.  If two fingers can be inserted easily behind your heel the boot is too big, and symptoms such as "shin bite" or other pain related problems are likely.  A reputable bootfitter will measure your feet and ask about your style of skiing.  Be prepared to spend a couple hours trying on various boots and standing in the boot long enough to notice pain problems.  Also, some bootfitters will stand behind the fit & continue to make adjustments after you ski the boot the first few times.

The Lange RX-130 is made for a skier with a narrow ankle, but wider forefront.  Lange is typically associated with very narrow boots designed to be fitted for racers looking for a very sensitive tight fit.  Recreational skiers & park & pipe might find the boot uncomfortable.  The RX-130's 100mm last provides the room required for a looser fit without sacrificing performance or the traditional tight heel pocket desired by skiers with slender ankles.  Initially I anticipated skiing with the stiff 130 flex of this boot, but quickly realized a softer flex is more manageable in the park.  Luckily these boots are adjustable at 3 flex settings, and I opted for the -20% adjustment.  These boots do not have the shock absorption technology of other park & pipe models, however none of the other boot brands would fit narrow feet like the Lange.  In the future I may experiment with custom shock absorbing inserts.